Anxiety can look very different from child to child. Some children may worry constantly about school, friendships, or being apart from their family, while others might experience sudden fears or develop specific phobias that impact their daily life.
Children can also have more than one type of anxiety, and it may coexist with other mental health concerns like depression. Read on to learn the most common anxiety disorders in children and what to look for.
Separation Anxiety Disorder
This type of anxiety is more than the usual clinginess kids sometimes show. Children with separation anxiety have an intense fear of being apart from their parent or caregiver, and it can make daily routines very stressful.
In fact, separation anxiety disorder is the most frequently diagnosed childhood anxiety disorder, and it makes up about half of all referrals for anxiety-related mental health treatment [*].
A child may refuse to sleep alone, complain of stomachaches before school, or become very upset at drop-off. For example, a 7-year-old might cry every morning, tightly hold on to a parent, and plead not to be left behind.
Social Anxiety Disorder
Social anxiety is more than shyness. It’s a deep fear of being judged or embarrassed in social settings. Children can show symptoms even at an early age, which may have a serious impact on their social and emotional development if left unaddressed [*].
They may blush, freeze, or avoid speaking when others are around, even when they know the answer or want to join in.
A child who seems outgoing at home may avoid birthday parties or whisper so quietly in class that the teacher can’t hear them. One common situation is when a child dreads a school presentation for days. They’re convinced they’ll mess up, even if they’re well prepared.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
With GAD, children worry excessively about everyday things, often across many areas of life. You might notice your child asking constant “what if” questions, struggling to sleep, or complaining of headaches and stomachaches. They may find it difficult to relax because their mind is filled with worries.
For example, a 10-year-old might spend the entire week worrying about a spelling test, convinced they’ll fail even though they usually do very well in school.
Studies also suggest that children who are highly sensitive to feelings of anxiety, known as anxiety sensitivity, may be more likely to experience ongoing worry over time [*].
Panic Disorder
Panic disorder involves sudden, intense bouts of fear called panic attacks, which can occur unexpectedly. These attacks often come with physical symptoms like a racing heart, trouble breathing, or dizziness.
A child might suddenly panic in a quiet classroom, clutching their chest and saying they can’t breathe, even when there’s no real danger. Over time, they may start avoiding certain places or activities out of fear that another attack will happen.
Panic disorder usually appears during adolescence, but it can also emerge in childhood and may run in families. It affects 3 million Americans throughout their lives [*].
Specific Phobias
Some children develop intense fears of certain objects or situations, even when they are not really dangerous. They may go out of their way to avoid the thing that scares them and become very upset if they can’t.
For example, a child might refuse to go into a friend’s house because there’s a dog inside, even if the dog is gentle and in another room. These fears can disrupt everyday routines and cause ongoing stress.
Researchers have found that both a child’s temperament, like being naturally more sensitive or cautious, and parenting behaviors can play a role in how phobias develop and continue over time. Parents who are overprotective, highly watchful, or overly involved may unintentionally increase their child’s fear [*].
Selective Mutism
Selective mutism happens when a child can speak freely in some places, usually at home, but stays silent in specific settings like school. It isn’t defiance — it’s an anxiety response.
A child may talk nonstop with siblings but go completely quiet when a teacher asks them a simple question. Parents usually hear reports from school that their child never speaks, which can be confusing since they know how talkative the child is at home.
Studies show that many children with selective mutism also have social anxiety, specific phobias, separation anxiety, or generalized anxiety disorder, and some may have learning or developmental differences [*].
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
OCD involves intrusive, unwanted thoughts that make a child anxious, along with repeated behaviors aimed at reducing that anxiety. A child might feel compelled to wash their hands many times, check that doors are locked repeatedly, or arrange items in a precise order.
These rituals can take up a lot of time and cause frustration if they are interrupted. For instance, a child may spend 20 minutes each night lining up toys exactly right because they fear something bad will happen if it isn’t perfect.
OCD often starts in childhood and can continue into adulthood. Some children show mild obsessive habits, while others have more noticeable symptoms. It is sometimes missed, and family behaviors — like going along with the child’s rituals — can make it worse.
Children with a family history of OCD are at higher risk, and certain parenting styles or difficult early experiences may also play a role [*].
Resources
For more information about the different types of anxiety in children, check out these trusted resources:
